Developer: Nintendo EAD Software Development Group No.3

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD (2013)

by Christopher September 27, 2024

written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 2013
Genres: Adventure, Puzzle
Platforms: Wii U
Developers: Nintendo EAD Software Development Group No.3
Publishers: Nintendo

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD: A Timeless Classic Reborn

Originally released for the GameCube in 2002, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker was a groundbreaking game that redefined the Zelda series with its cel-shaded art style, open-world exploration, and memorable characters. In 2013, the game was remastered for the Wii U as The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD, and it remains one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed games in the series.

A Timeless Tale

The Wind Waker HD tells the story of Link, a young boy who sets out on a journey to save his sister from the clutches of the evil Ganondorf. Along the way, he’ll explore a vast and beautiful world, meet a cast of unforgettable characters, and solve challenging puzzles.

The game’s story is full of heart and humor, and it’s sure to captivate players of all ages. The characters are all well-developed and relatable, and the dialogue is witty and engaging. The game’s world is also incredibly detailed and immersive, and it’s easy to get lost in its beauty.

Gorgeous Graphics

One of the most striking things about The Wind Waker HD is its cel-shaded art style. This unique visual style gives the game a timeless look that still holds up today. The colors are vibrant and the textures are sharp, and the game’s world is full of detail. The new lighting engine in the HD version makes the game’s world look even more stunning, and it’s a joy to explore.

Seamless Sailing

One of the most unique aspects of The Wind Waker is its focus on exploration. Link travels the Great Sea in his boat, the King of Red Lions, and he can visit a variety of islands and dungeons. The sailing mechanics are simple and intuitive, and it’s a lot of fun to explore the open sea.

The Wind Waker HD also features a number of new gameplay additions, such as the Hero Mode, which makes the game more challenging. There’s also a new fast-sail function that makes it easier to traverse the Great Sea.

Classic Zelda Gameplay

Despite its unique art style and focus on exploration, The Wind Waker HD is still a classic Zelda game at heart. Link has access to a variety of weapons and items, and he’ll need to use his wits and courage to overcome the challenges that await him.

The game’s dungeons are some of the best in the series, and they’re full of puzzles and enemies. The bosses are also challenging and memorable, and they’ll put Link’s skills to the test.

A Must-Play for Zelda Fans

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD is a timeless classic that’s still one of the best games in the series. Its beautiful art style, engaging story, and classic Zelda gameplay make it a must-play for any fan of the series. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the Zelda franchise, The Wind Waker HD is a game that you won’t want to miss.

Features:

A timeless story with unforgettable characters
A vast and beautiful world to explore
Challenging puzzles and dungeons
Classic Zelda gameplay with a unique twist
Stunning cel-shaded art style
New gameplay additions, such as Hero Mode and fast-sail function

Score: 9/10

Pros:

Beautiful graphics
Engaging story
Classic Zelda gameplay
Lots of exploration

Cons:

Can be repetitive at times
Some of the puzzles can be frustrating

Review Score

9/10

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The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (2011)

by Ji-yeong September 18, 2024

written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 2011
Genres: Adventure, Platform, Puzzle, Role-playing game (RPG)
Platforms: Wii, Wii U
Developers: Nintendo EAD Software Development Group No.3
Publishers: Nintendo

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword: A Sky-High Adventure

Released in 2011 for the Wii, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is a groundbreaking entry in the beloved Zelda franchise. It was the first Zelda game created specifically with the Wii in mind, and it makes full use of the Wii MotionPlus peripheral for intuitive and immersive sword fighting.

Story

Skyward Sword takes place in the sky above Hyrule, on a floating island called Skyloft. The story follows Link, a young knight-in-training, as he embarks on a quest to rescue his childhood friend Zelda from the clutches of the evil Ghirahim. Along the way, Link must travel through treacherous dungeons, solve intricate puzzles, and battle formidable enemies.

As Link progresses on his journey, he learns more about the ancient history of Hyrule and the origins of the Master Sword. He also discovers the true nature of his relationship with Zelda and the destiny that awaits them both.

Gameplay

Skyward Sword retains the core gameplay elements of previous Zelda games, such as exploring an overworld, visiting dungeons, and solving puzzles. However, it also introduces some new features and innovations.

One of the most notable changes is the motion-controlled swordplay. Using the Wii MotionPlus peripheral, players can swing their Wii Remotes to perform a variety of sword attacks. This makes combat more immersive and engaging than in previous Zelda games.

Another significant change is the introduction of the Fi character. Fi is a spirit that resides within the Master Sword and serves as Link’s guide and advisor throughout the game. Fi provides Link with helpful information and assistance, but she can also be somewhat overbearing at times.

Overworld

The overworld in Skyward Sword is more focused on puzzles than action. Link must use his intelligence and wit to solve a variety of environmental puzzles in order to progress. This makes for a more cerebral and rewarding exploration experience.

Dungeons

The dungeons in Skyward Sword are some of the most challenging and well-designed in the series. Each dungeon is themed around a different element or concept, and Link must use his wits and skills to overcome the obstacles and puzzles within.

Characters

In addition to Link and Zelda, Skyward Sword features a cast of memorable and endearing characters. These include Groose, Link’s rival and eventual friend; Impa, the wise and enigmatic elder of Skyloft; and Ghirahim, the flamboyant and sadistic servant of Demise.

Reception

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword received critical acclaim upon release. Praised for its innovative motion controls, engaging story, and challenging dungeons, it was hailed as one of the best Zelda games in years. However, some critics found the motion controls to be gimmicky and the overworld to be too focused on puzzles.

Legacy

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is a significant entry in the Zelda franchise. It introduced a number of new ideas and innovations that would be carried over into future games in the series. It also helped to revitalize the Zelda franchise and set the stage for the critically acclaimed Breath of the Wild in 2017.

Overall

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is a must-play for any fan of the Zelda franchise. It offers an immersive and engaging adventure with innovative motion controls, challenging dungeons, and a memorable cast of characters. Whether you’re a longtime Zelda fan or a newcomer to the series, Skyward Sword is sure to provide you with an unforgettable gaming experience.

Review Score

8/10

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The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD (2016)

by Christopher September 11, 2024

written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 2016
Genres: Adventure, Platform, Puzzle
Platforms: Wii U
Developers: Nintendo EAD Software Development Group No.3
Publishers: Nintendo

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD: A Beautiful Remaster of a Classic Game

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD is a Wii U enhanced remaster of the original game that was released on the GameCube and Wii in 2006. It features graphical upgrades from the original version, including higher resolution textures and models, as well as minor gameplay changes.

The game follows the story of Link, a young farm boy who is chosen by the gods to save the kingdom of Hyrule from the evil Twilight Realm. Link must travel through both the Light World and the Twilight Realm, solving puzzles and defeating enemies in order to restore balance to the world.

Twilight Princess HD features a number of improvements over the original game. The graphics have been significantly upgraded, with higher resolution textures and models, as well as improved lighting and shadow effects. The game also runs at a smoother frame rate, making for a more enjoyable gameplay experience.

In addition to the graphical upgrades, Twilight Princess HD also features a number of minor gameplay changes. These changes include:

The ability to use the Wii U GamePad as a map and inventory screen.
A new Hero Mode difficulty setting that makes the game more challenging.
A new amiibo functionality that allows players to unlock special items and rewards.

Overall, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD is a beautiful remaster of a classic game. It’s a must-play for any fan of the series, and it’s also a great way to experience the game for the first time.

Gameplay

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD is an action-adventure game with a third-person perspective. The player controls Link, who can explore the game world, solve puzzles, and battle enemies. The game features a variety of weapons and items that Link can use to defeat his enemies, including swords, bows and arrows, and bombs.

The game is divided into two main sections: the Light World and the Twilight Realm. The Light World is a bright and colorful world, while the Twilight Realm is a dark and dangerous place. Link must travel between the two worlds in order to complete his quest.

The Light World is home to a variety of towns and villages, as well as dungeons and other challenges. Link can explore the Light World on foot, on horseback, or by boat. He can also use the Hookshot to grapple onto objects and reach new areas.

The Twilight Realm is a dark and dangerous place that is inhabited by monsters and other creatures. Link must use his sword and other weapons to defeat these enemies and progress through the Twilight Realm.

Story

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD tells the story of Link, a young farm boy who is chosen by the gods to save the kingdom of Hyrule from the evil Twilight Realm. Link must travel through both the Light World and the Twilight Realm, solving puzzles and defeating enemies in order to restore balance to the world.

Along the way, Link meets a variety of characters who help him on his quest. These characters include Zelda, the princess of Hyrule; Midna, a mysterious creature from the Twilight Realm; and Epona, Link’s horse.

Graphics and Sound

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD features beautiful graphics that are a significant improvement over the original game. The game’s textures and models have been upgraded to high resolution, and the lighting and shadow effects have been improved. The game also runs at a smoother frame rate, making for a more enjoyable gameplay experience.

The game’s sound is also excellent. The music is composed by Toru Minegishi and is a mix of orchestral and electronic elements. The sound effects are also well-done and help to create a immersive experience.

Overall

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD is a beautiful remaster of a classic game. It’s a must-play for any fan of the series, and it’s also a great way to experience the game for the first time.

Score: 9/10

Review Score

9/10

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The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006)

by Ji-yeong July 4, 2024

written by Ji-yeong 7 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 2006
Genres: Adventure, Puzzle, Role-playing game (RPG)
Platforms: Nintendo GameCube
Developers: Nintendo EAD Software Development Group No.3
Publishers: Nintendo

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006) Review

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is an action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for the GameCube and Wii. It was released in 2006 and is the thirteenth installment in the Legend of Zelda series. The game is set in the fictional land of Hyrule, which has been corrupted by Twilight, a dark realm that threatens to consume the world.

The player controls Link, a young farmhand who is chosen by the gods to save Hyrule from Twilight. Link must travel across Hyrule, collecting artifacts and solving puzzles in order to restore light to the land. He is aided by a variety of allies, including Princess Zelda, the leader of the Hylians; Midna, a mysterious imp who helps Link on his quest; and Epona, Link’s loyal horse.

Twilight Princess was a critical and commercial success, selling over 8 million copies worldwide. It was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and story. Many critics considered it to be one of the best games of all time.

Gameplay

Twilight Princess is a third-person action-adventure game. The player controls Link as he explores the world of Hyrule, solves puzzles, and battles enemies. Link can use a variety of weapons and items, including the Master Sword, the Hylian Shield, and the Bow and Arrow. He can also transform into a wolf, which gives him enhanced senses and abilities.

The game is divided into several dungeons, each of which contains a unique boss. Link must defeat the boss in order to obtain an artifact that will help him restore light to Hyrule. The dungeons are progressively more difficult, and require Link to use all of his skills in order to succeed.

In addition to the main story, Twilight Princess also features a number of side quests. These quests are optional, but they can reward Link with new items and abilities. The game also features a variety of minigames, such as fishing and horse racing.

Story

The story of Twilight Princess begins with Link living in a small village in Hyrule. One day, while Link is out hunting, he is attacked by a group of monsters. Link is rescued by Princess Zelda, who tells him that the monsters are from the Twilight Realm, a dark world that is threatening to consume Hyrule.

Zelda asks Link to help her save Hyrule from the Twilight Realm. Link agrees, and he sets out on a journey to collect the artifacts that will allow him to restore light to the land. Along the way, Link is joined by Midna, a mysterious imp who helps him on his quest.

Link and Midna travel across Hyrule, collecting artifacts and solving puzzles. They eventually reach the Twilight Realm, where they confront the game’s main antagonist, Ganondorf. Link defeats Ganondorf and restores light to Hyrule.

Characters

Link: The protagonist of the game, a young farmhand who is chosen by the gods to save Hyrule from Twilight.
Princess Zelda: The leader of the Hylians, who asks Link to help her save Hyrule from the Twilight Realm.
Midna: A mysterious imp who helps Link on his quest.
Epona: Link’s loyal horse.
Ganondorf: The main antagonist of the game, the leader of the Twilight Realm.

Development

Twilight Princess was developed by Nintendo’s EAD division, which is also responsible for developing other Zelda games such as Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask. The game was originally intended to be a GameCube exclusive, but it was later ported to the Wii.

Twilight Princess was developed using a modified version of the engine that was used to develop Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask. The game’s graphics were significantly improved over previous Zelda games, and it featured a more realistic and mature art style.

Reception

Twilight Princess was a critical and commercial success. It received perfect scores from many reviewers, and it was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and story. The game sold over 8 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling GameCube games of all time.

Twilight Princess is considered by many to be one of the best Zelda games of all time. It is a classic action-adventure game that is still enjoyed by many gamers today.

Legacy

Twilight Princess has had a significant impact on the Legend of Zelda series. It was the first Zelda game to feature a more realistic and mature art style, and it introduced a number of new gameplay elements that would be used in future Zelda games.

Twilight Princess also helped to popularize the Wii. The game was one of the first major Wii games, and it helped to show off the console’s capabilities.

Twilight Princess is a classic Zelda game that is still enjoyed by many gamers today. It is a must-play for any fan of the series.

Review Score

9.5/10

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The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (2007)

by Ji-yeong March 28, 2024

written by Ji-yeong 7 minutes read

Summary

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is an innovative and critically acclaimed addition to the Zelda series, notable for its touch screen gameplay and direct continuation of The Wind Waker’s storyline. As a trailblazer for Zelda games on the Nintendo DS, it remains a memorable and engaging adventure.

Release Year: 2007
Genres: Adventure, Puzzle, Role-playing game (RPG)
Platforms: Nintendo DS, Wii U
Developers: Nintendo EAD Software Development Group No.3
Publishers: Nintendo

Introduction

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass is a pivotal entry in the storied Zelda franchise, bringing the series to the Nintendo DS with groundbreaking touch screen gameplay and a direct narrative connection to The Wind Waker. Released in 2007, this game blends classic Zelda exploration and puzzle-solving with fresh, innovative controls.

Synopsis

“The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass” is a captivating action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS handheld game console. Released in 2007, it is the fourteenth installment in The Legend of Zelda series and serves as a direct sequel to the 2002 GameCube title “The Wind Waker”.

The game’s story unfolds with the protagonist, Link, embarking on a thrilling journey to save his friend Tetra from the antagonist, Bellum. The adventure begins when Tetra and her pirate crew, along with Link, chase down a ghost ship rumored to have kidnapped sailors and residents of the local islands. Upon discovering the ship, Tetra ventures aboard to explore but mysteriously disappears. Link attempts to follow her but ends up adrift in the ocean.

Washed ashore on an island, Link is awakened by Ciela, a fairy suffering from amnesia. As he explores the island, Link finds the Phantom Hourglass filled with the Sands of Hours. He also meets an old man named Oshus, who expresses his desire to help Link find the Ghost Ship and reunite with Tetra.

To locate the Ghost Ship, Link must find the Spirits of Courage, Wisdom, and Power, using maps and clues hidden in the Temple of the Ocean King. However, overcoming the evil forces in the Temple requires Link to use the Sands of Hours within the Phantom Hourglass. These sands prevent his life force from being drained.

Link’s journey is not a solitary one. He enlists the help of the reluctant Captain Linebeck and his ship, the S.S. Linebeck, after saving him from the Temple of the Ocean King. Linebeck agrees to assist, albeit with the expectation of finding treasure along the way.

The gameplay of “The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass” is divided into two types: sailing between islands and exploring the islands and their dungeons on foot. While on land, Link discovers and utilizes many items, including the classic boomerang, bow, and bombs. When sailing, the game displays a map of the area on the Nintendo DS’s top screen, and a 3D top-down view of Link and his nearby surroundings on the lower touchscreen.

The game features 3D cel-shaded graphics with an overhead camera perspective. It employs controls involving the console’s touchscreen and microphone. The game also took advantage of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection for online play until the service was discontinued in 2014.

“The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass” received critical acclaim, with praise for its control scheme, world design, and graphics. Despite some criticism for its online features, which were considered too simple, the game received several video game industry awards. It was the best-selling game in its first month in Japan, with 302,887 copies sold. In the United States, it was the fifth-best-selling game in the month it debuted, with 262,800 copies sold. By March 2008, 4.13 million copies of Phantom Hourglass were sold worldwide.

“The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass” is a remarkable game that offers an immersive gaming experience. Its engaging storyline, innovative gameplay, and stunning graphics make it a must-play for any gaming enthusiast. A sequel, “Spirit Tracks”, was released in December 2009.

Characters

Key characters include Link, the courageous protagonist; Tetra, the pirate captain and Link’s friend; and Linebeck, a cowardly sailor who assists Link on his quest. Players also encounter a cast of foes and allies, each contributing to the rich narrative tapestry of the game.

Gameplay

Gameplay in Phantom Hourglass is divided between sailing across the open sea and exploring islands and dungeons. The touch screen allows for intuitive control of Link, navigation of his ship, and interaction with the environment. Players can draw paths for boomerangs, chart courses on sea maps, and engage in combat by tapping and swiping.

Conclusion

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass stands as a testament to the Zelda series’ ability to evolve and embrace new technologies while maintaining the core elements that fans love. Its blend of innovation, adventure, and storytelling ensures its place as a beloved installment in the franchise.

Review Score

9/10

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Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000)

by Christopher March 17, 2024

written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask is a landmark title that pushed the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay in video games. With its intricate time system, rich character interactions, and haunting narrative, it stands as a testament to the series’ enduring legacy and innovation.

Release Year: 2000
Genres: Adventure
Platforms: Nintendo 64, Wii, Wii U
Developers: Nintendo EAD Software Development Group No.3
Publishers: Gradiente, Nintendo

Introduction

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask is a masterpiece of storytelling and gameplay innovation within the Zelda series. Released in 2000 for the Nintendo 64, it challenged players with its unique time loop mechanic and a more intimate focus on character-driven narratives.

Synopsis

“The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask” is a unique and captivating game that was released in 2000 for the Nintendo 64. It is the sixth main installment of The Legend of Zelda series. The game is known for its innovative gameplay, surreal art direction, and darker themes compared to other Nintendo titles.

The story begins several months after the events of “Ocarina of Time”. The protagonist, Link, is in search of an unnamed friend. While riding through the Lost Woods of Hyrule on his horse Epona, Link is ambushed by the masked Skull Kid and his fairy accomplices, Tatl and Tael. The mischievous Skull Kid steals both Epona and the powerful musical instrument, the Ocarina of Time.

Link is then transported to an alternate version of Hyrule called Termina. This parallel world is under the threat of an impending apocalypse, with the moon set to crash into the earth in just three days. The Skull Kid, under the influence of the accursed Majora’s Mask, is causing chaos and mischief in Termina.

The gameplay of Majora’s Mask is unique and revolves around the perpetually repeating three-day cycle. As the player, you must navigate Link through this cycle, using the Ocarina of Time to manipulate the flow of time. This allows you to open hidden passages, control the environment, and prevent the moon from crashing.

The game also introduces the concept of masks. These masks can transform Link into different forms, each with their own unique abilities. This adds a layer of complexity to the gameplay, as you must strategically use these transformations to progress through the game.

As is characteristic of the Zelda series, the game involves navigating through several dungeons, each filled with complex puzzles and enemies. However, Majora’s Mask stands out for its emphasis on side quests. These side quests often involve helping the inhabitants of Termina, further immersing the player in the game’s rich and detailed world.

Despite its darker tone, Majora’s Mask was universally acclaimed and is widely considered one of the best video games ever made. It was praised for its level design, story, and the depth of its characters. While it only sold about half as many copies as its predecessor, Ocarina of Time, it has generated a substantial cult following.

“The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask” is a game that pushed the boundaries of what was expected from a video game. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, engaging story, and memorable characters have left a lasting impact on the gaming industry. It is a testament to the creativity and vision of its developers, and a shining example of the potential of video games as a medium for storytelling.”

Characters

Link, the heroic protagonist; the Skull Kid, who is possessed by Majora’s Mask; Tatl, a fairy who guides Link; and a cast of memorable characters unique to Termina, each with their own stories and quests.

Gameplay

Majora’s Mask retains the core Zelda mechanics while introducing a ground-breaking time management system. Players must strategically use the three-day cycle to progress, utilizing time resets to their advantage. The game also features a wide variety of masks that grant Link new forms and abilities, crucial for solving puzzles and completing quests.

Conclusion

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask is a daring and unforgettable entry in the Zelda series that combines innovative gameplay with a compelling narrative. It remains a beloved classic for its ability to challenge and inspire players through its unique mechanics and dark, emotive storytelling.

Review Score

9/10

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